Astypalaia is deliberately difficult to reach. That is part of why it remains one of the least touristy islands in Greece, even in August. Getting here requires planning — but with 25 years of receiving guests from every corner of the world, we can walk you through every option.
The honest picture first
There are no direct international flights to Astypalaia. The island has a small domestic airport (IATA code: JTY) that receives only turboprop planes from Athens. From anywhere outside Greece, you will need to transit through Athens — either to fly on to Astypalaia or to take the ferry from Piraeus port.
📍 Key facts about Astypalaia's location
- Located exactly between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese — closer to Kos than to Athens
- About 215 km by sea from Piraeus (Athens port)
- 43 km from Kos, 178 km from Rhodes
- The island's airport is in Maltezana (Analipsi), 9 km from Chora
- Since 2024, only one port: Pera Gialos in Chora (the Agios Andreas port closed)
Option 1: By plane — fast but limited
Sky Express is the only airline that flies to Astypalaia, and they do so only from Athens. Flights operate 2-3 times per week during the season (approximately April to October), with limited winter service. In high season (July-August), these seats sell out weeks in advance.
The aircraft are small turboprop planes — ATR or similar. There are no refreshments on board, the luggage allowance is limited, and the airport at Astypalaia is minimal: you land, collect your bag, and walk outside. No café, no restaurant, only a toilet.
Option 2: Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) — the scenic route
The ferry from Piraeus is the most popular way to arrive for Greeks and island-hopping travellers. Blue Star Ferries operates the main route approximately 4-5 times per week in summer, with reduced frequency in winter. The crossing takes 8 to 12 hours depending on the route and intermediate stops (ferries often stop at Amorgos or Kalymnos).
The big advantage of the ferry: you can bring your vehicle. If you are island-hopping by car or motorbike, the ferry is your only option. In high season, vehicle spaces sell out very early — book weeks ahead.
Option 3: From Kos or Kalymnos — the island-hopper's route
Kos has an international airport (KGS) with direct flights from major European cities — London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris and many others. If you are coming from Europe and want to minimise your travel time, this is the smartest route: fly direct to Kos, then take the 2-hour ferry to Astypalaia.
Kalymnos is even closer to Astypalaia and has its own small airport, though with fewer international connections. The ferry from Kalymnos to Astypalaia takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Option 4: From the Cyclades — island hopping
Astypalaia sits at the boundary between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, making it a natural stop on an island-hopping itinerary. Regular ferry connections (frequency varies by season) run to and from:
- Amorgos (Aegiali) — the closest Cycladic island, ~2-3 hours
- Naxos — excellent connection for those coming from the central Cyclades
- Paros — major hub, connects well with Astypalaia
- Donoussa — tiny island en route
The Dodecanese Express high-speed catamaran also connects Astypalaia with Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos and other Dodecanese islands during the summer season, with journey times significantly shorter than conventional ferries.
Flight vs Ferry: which should you choose?
| Factor | ✈️ Flight (Athens) | ⛴ Ferry (Piraeus) | ✈️+⛴ Fly to Kos + Ferry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journey time | ~50 min flying | 8–12 hours | 3-4h flight + 2h ferry |
| Reliability | Cancellations possible (wind) | Very reliable | Good |
| Bring vehicle | No | Yes | No |
| Cost | €80-150 | €40-70 | €100-200 total |
| Best for | Time-poor, solo, short stay | Bringing car, island hopping | Europeans, most travellers |
What to do when you arrive
If arriving by plane
The airport is in Maltezana (Analipsi), 9 km from Chora. There is no airport bus. Your options are: taxi (limited supply — book in advance), pre-arranged rental car collection, or ask your accommodation if they offer a transfer. We can deliver your rental vehicle directly to the airport — just let us know your flight details when you book.
If arriving by ferry
Since 2024, all ferries dock at Pera Gialos, the old port directly below Chora. Chora is a short walk (10-15 minutes uphill) or a very short taxi/bus ride. We can also deliver your vehicle to the port — we have been doing this for 25 years and know the ferry schedules well. If your ferry is delayed, we wait. No charge, no frustration.
Practical tips & warnings
- Book everything early for July and August. Ferry tickets (especially with a vehicle), flights, and accommodation sell out weeks or months in advance in high season.
- Wind cancellations are real. Both flights and ferries can be cancelled due to strong Meltemi winds, particularly in July-August. Always have a backup plan — an extra night's booking on Kos or in Athens.
- You do not need to bring a car. We have cars, jeeps, scooters & ATVs available for rent at rates from €10/day. It is simpler and cheaper than bringing your own vehicle on the ferry and paying for transport.
- The ferry from Athens often makes stops. Check your specific route — some services stop at Amorgos, Donoussa or Kalymnos, adding time to the journey.
- Book ferry tickets at ferryhopper.com or directly with Blue Star Ferries. They are the most reliable sources for current schedules and availability.
- Winter service is minimal. Outside the main season (roughly November to March), there may be only one or two ferry connections per week and very limited flights. Plan accordingly.
Arriving soon?We'll be ready for you.
Tell us your ferry or flight arrival time and we will have your vehicle waiting — at the port or the airport. 25 years on this island means we know every schedule, every delay, every dirt road.